Running with the dogs

So here are some folks I've been hanging out with lately! They can't get enough of me. I'm currently house sitting for a good friend and I'm glad her HUGE dog is way more calm than he was in his puppy years.

Learning to Rest

So I learned something really great Sunday. After loading up on reunions with friends...I headed out for some solitude and a long walk in my favorite park when I realized something. I can rest!

I've been studying and working since I was 14 and the past few years all my vacation time has been used for Kazakhstan summer delegations. So, essentially for the past 14 years there has always been some checklist to do, some plan to make, something to clean, something to buy, somewhere to go, some job or job hunting. But now...

Now I am not yet able to make plans till I have quite a few more conversations. I'm not yet able to work since I haven't heard yet about my direction or time frame. I don't have a house to clean. I don't need to buy a thing. It's a beautiful time to be in. I know work and lists will come soon to me so I've realized I should be thankful in this time (and not anxious!). It's a time for reflection and taking stock, but also for REST. This is good. Very good.

Where is Ember now?

Okay....I am in LYNCHBURG. Yes, I am. Very exciting. I am taking it slow as it's quite a big shock for me to be here. I've got about a 10-15 minute time limit at Wal-Mart! It's a lot more challenging to come back than it is to leave, that's for sure.

But...taking it slowly doesn't mean you're not allowed to have some FUN! Hence, I shocked my former coworkers yesterday by showing up unexpectedly at their lunch. Those who know me shouldn't be surprised, but I'm loving the surprising people thing!!

Where was Ember?

Well, I left Delaware after the holidays...and made my first stop in Richmond, Virginia. I spent a couple of days with Vicki Charbonneau who will soon be headed to Kazakhstan herself. Check out her blog to see how she's doing! I had a great time chatting with her exchanging stories of the first year there and her stories from the past year of preparing to go. Thanks Vicki! Love you!

Sweetness!

My favorite photos from Christmas

Barefoot after Christmas

December 28th saw me at the beach...barefoot!